Olivier has backed the Toon Army to continue to flush out racism following the sickening abuse directed at Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi via Facebook this week.

Bernard feels the St James’ Park crowd have always been one of the mostknowledgeable in the country, and that the excellent atmosphere will stay thatway during this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa.

Bernard – now an ambassador for Show Racism The Red Card – has urgedGeordie fans to stay with Ameobi and has warned “keyboard warriors” theywon’t get away with hurling abuse at his former team-mate.

Bernard has slammed the louts after comments were posted on the socialnetworking site, with United also taking a zero-tolerance approach.

Bernard, a former team-mate of Ameobi, told the Chronicle: “It’s sad thatpeople think that because they are behind a computer they can hide or saywhatever they want.

“It doesn’t work like that. They can still be traced.

“These people are not that clever and it’s against the law.

“I find it hard because it’s been going on for a couple of months now with theSuarez case and the allegations over John Terry too.”

But Bernard expects Newcastle fans will continue to get the correct messageout that there is simply no room for racism in society.

“If we stick together we can beat it,” he said. “It’s about getting the messageout there.

“We are still going into schools around the country.

“We are providing activities and workshops and making sure people get the message properly.”

Article by Sara Nichol, the Evening Chronicle: Read More on the Chronicle Live

Olivier also appeared on ITV Tyne Tees Regional News in a short piece about online racist abuse, as well as touching upon some of the abuse Olivier has received himself. Click here to view the footage.